Bon Jovi, Brad Paisley booked for free Gulf Coast shows

Bon Jovi and Brad Paisley -- following in the footsteps of Jimmy Buffett -- are set to play free concerts in Gulf Shores, AL, that city officials hope will draw tourists back to the region as it recovers from the recent oil spill.

Bon Jovi's gig is set for Oct. 15, and Paisley will play two days later, according to local officials.

About 35,000 tickets -- which are free -- are being distributed to those who book vacation rentals in the region. More information is available at concertsforthecoast.com. A limited number of tickets will also be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis on Sept. 11 beginning at 8 a.m. at three regional distribution points: Erie Meyer Civic Center in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach Recreation Center and Foley City Hall.

Like Buffett's free performance in July -- which took place as oil was still flowing into the gulf from BP's blown oil well -- the Bon Jovi and Paisley gigs will take place on a stage on the west end of Gulf Shores' public beach.

BP PLC has given the state of Alabama $15 million to help promote tourism and make amends for some of the damage to the local economy that resulted from the oil spill.